How do we embed Dignity in School?

As we all prepare for the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into Scots Law, now is a fantastic time to reflect on how we ensure all our session plans embed children’s dignity at their heart.

Not sure where to start? 

Never fear(t)! Our Dignity in School Hub is a home for resources, prompts and inspirational stories that will help you join the momentum behind our shared commitment to making rights real for our children. The site was developed with input from children at both of our partner schools: St John’s Primary in Portobello, Edinburgh and Stoneywood Primary in Aberdeen to demonstrate how primary schools can take a children’s rights-based approach, and make rights real for children in school. It not only features a suite of resources and session plans, there are case studies and myDignity – a space for children to learn about dignity in school – too!  

Jump straight into the Hub with our Quick Start tools!

A drawing of a fish that has different coloured spots on it. "Sparkles Encourage" is written across it's body.

What if I feel more confident about my rights-based practice?

You’ve looked at the introductory modules, you’re feeling much more confident about recognising the ways in which you ensure the children in your care feel happy, healthy and safe… what’s next?  

Our MCPs have developed new learning kits – just for you! – that focus on friendship in the playground and the classroom. 

Friends make me happy; friends help you keep happy and positive by being in your life.” – Friendship Finders, Stoneywood, Aberdeen.  

Do any of your resources show me what a rights-based approach looks and feels like?

We know that rights-based practice is a way of being, and that can sometimes make it a challenge to identify in our own work, because “that’s just how we do it”. Find out how St John’s enhanced their children’s voices in school and explored responsive planning in the Nursery. Delve into child-led decision making at Stoneywood. Can you see any of your practice in these new case studies? Get in touch and let us know! 

 

“I know I’m respected when my teacher takes me seriously” – MCP, Dignity in School

 How long did you say you worked with your partner schools?

We have wrapped up our first year with St Johns (Edinburgh) and Stoneywood (Aberdeen) with celebrations of the children’s work! You can find these updates and follow our journey here.

It is a cut out fish, with the words 1. Giving three compliments a day, 2. Asking 3 people how they are and 3. Smiling at anyone! written across it's body.

 

What’s next for Dignity in School?

We’re so pleased you asked! Over the coming months we will be publishing case studies on digital working with children, health and wellbeing session plans and learning kits focusing on child participation.  

Keep checking back in coming months as our Dignity in School team continues to publish new resources! 

 

A child's drawing of a Dignity in School aeroplane. The plane is blue, with Dignity in School written across its wings. There is a hot air balloon next to the plane, and children run around underneath it.

 

From August 2021, Children’s Parliament has been working in two partner schools on our Dignity in School project to demonstrate how primary schools can take a children’s rights-based approach, and make rights real for children in school.

This work has been funded by the Gordon Cook Foundation.

Date: 12th August 2022
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